Mobile router network

ABSTRACT

A network is provided comprising a network management system, and a plurality of mobile routers. The network management system comprises at least one server and a link to a wide area network. Each mobile router is disposed in a corresponding one vehicle of a plurality of vehicles and is operable to selectively communicate with the network management system. The network management system selectively communicates with each mobile router. Each mobile router comprises: a local area network interface to provide a link to first a local area network comprising a first client device; a wide area network interface to provide a link to the wide area network; at least one processor to control operation of the router. The wide area network interface is operable to establish communication link with the network management system. An application executable by the at least one processor selectively acquires predetermined data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/514,054 filed as PCT Application No.PCT/US07/11631 filed on May 15, 2007 and claiming priority to U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 60/800,749, filed May 16, 2006, U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 60/800,679, filed May 16, 2006 and U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 60/800,750, filed May 16, 2006. Thepresent application is related to the following patent applicationsfiled on even date herewith:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The use of mobile or wireless end-user computer-type devices hasincreased significantly. Such mobile devices, must be able to connect toa wireless network. Wireless local area networks (LANs) are oftendeployed inside structures such as homes, offices, public and commercialbuildings. A typical wireless LAN comprises one or more wireless accesspoints, such as a wireless router or “hot spot”, which communicateswirelessly with the mobile device, and allows the mobile device toconnect to a wired network or other network that is also incommunication with the access point. To stay connected to such awireless LAN, the mobile device must usually stay within wirelesscommunication range of the access points. This constrains the effectivemobility of a wireless device.

The mobility constraining problem is particularly aggravated when themobile device is disposed within a vehicle that is in motion. Themobility constraining problem has been addressed somewhat by use ofcellular networks that allow mobile devices having cellular networkinterfaces to communicate wireless data with such cellular networks.However, most mobile computer devices do not have cellular networkinterfaces.

As the use of mobile devices has expanded, the mobility of such deviceshas expanded to the use wireless routers in vehicles. Such routers arereferred to as “mobile routers” or “mobile nodes”. Mobile routerstypically permit a mobile device located in a vehicle that is in motionto maintain a connection to a wide area network and thereby greatlyexpand the mobility of the mobile device. Mobile routers are fullyoperable whether the vehicle having a mobile router installed therein isin motion or stationary. Connection to the Internet may be maintained bythe mobile router as it travels across cellular networks.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a network is provided comprising a network managementsystem, and a plurality of mobile routers. The network management systemcomprises at least one server; and a link to a wide area network. Eachmobile router is disposed in a corresponding one vehicle of a pluralityof vehicles and each mobile router is operable to selectivelycommunicate with the network management system. The network managementsystem is operable to selectively communicate with each mobile router.Each mobile router comprises: a local area network interface comprisinga first wireless transceiver of a first predetermined type to provide alink to first a local area network comprising a first client device; awide area network interface comprising a second wireless transceiver ofa second predetermined type to provide a link to the wide area network;at least one processor to control operation of the router; the wide areanetwork interface is operable to establish a wireless communication linkwith the network management system; an application executable by the atleast one processor to selectively acquire predetermined data; and acommunication agent operable to upload the predetermined data to thenetwork management system.

The at least one processor is operable to acquire the predetermined dataduring time periods that the mobile router is not communicating with thenetwork management system. The communication agent is operable to uploadthe predetermined data to the network management system during timeperiods that the mobile router is in communication with said networkmanagement system.

In an embodiment, each mobile router comprises a memory and thepredetermined data is stored in the memory. The at least one processorprovides a time stamp for said predetermined acquired data at the timesaid predetermined acquired data is acquired. The time stamp is storedin the memory in association with the predetermined acquired data.

In an embodiment, the at least one processor is operable to assign apriority for the predetermined data; and the at least one processor isoperable to execute a predetermined action to take with thepredetermined data based upon the priority. The router is operable toimmediately upload to the network management system predetermined datahaving a predetermined one assigned priority. The router is operable tocontrol uploading the predetermined data having the predetermined oneassigned priority at a first data rate. The router is operable tocontrol uploading the predetermined data having a predetermined secondassigned priority at a second predetermined data rate, the secondpredetermined data rate is slower than the first predetermined datarate.

In one embodiment, the at least one processor is operable to determineif uploading of the predetermined data is interrupted. The at least oneprocessor is operable to restore uploading of the predetermined data tothe network management system from the point of interruption when acommunication link between the network management system and the routeris restored.

In an embodiment, the mobile router comprises a memory; the at least oneprocessor is operable to process the predetermined data prior touploading; and the at least one processor is operable to store theprocessed predetermined data as the predetermined data in memory.

In various embodiments, the at least one processor is operable todetermine when uploading occurs.

In embodiments, the predetermined data may comprise statistical dataand/or vehicle diagnostic data.

In various embodiments, each vehicle comprises a corresponding vehiclenetwork bus. Each mobile router comprises an interface to thecorresponding vehicle network bus; and the predetermined data isobtained from the vehicle network bus.

In an embodiment, the network management system comprises: at least oneserver; a link to a wide area network; and at least one database.

In various embodiments the network management system has access to oneor more predetermined downloadable applications. The network managementsystem is selectively operable to download selected predetermineddownloadable applications to predetermined selected mobile routers. Theselected predetermined downloadable applications comprise the firstapplication.

In one embodiment, the at least one processor is operable to acquire thepredetermined data during time periods that the mobile router is notcommunicating with the network management system; and is operable toupload the predetermined data to the network management system duringtime periods that the mobile router is in communication with the networkmanagement system.

In various embodiments, the network management system is operable toroute the uploaded predetermined data to a predetermined destination.The predetermined destination may comprise the database. In certainembodiments, the predetermined destination may comprise a third partyserver accessed by the network management system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will be better understood by reading the followingdetailed description in conjunction with the drawing figures in whichlike designators refer to like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first mobile router network arrangement;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an expanded mobile router networkarrangement;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a further expanded mobile router networkarrangement;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a mobile router; and

FIG. 5 is a more detailed block diagram of the mobile router of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a mobile router network 100. Mobile routernetwork 100 comprises a plurality of vehicles 101, each having therein amobile router 112. Each mobile router 112 includes a wireless local areanetwork 115. Each wireless local area network may be in communicationwith one or more corresponding mobile devices 116 via a wirelesscommunication link 114. Each wireless local area network 115 includesmobile router 112 and may or may not include one or more mobile devices116. Each wireless local area network 115 may be, for example, a networkcompliant with industry standard IEEE 802.11 network, i.e., a Wi-Finetwork, or a network compliant with industry standard IEEE 802.16,i.e., a WiMAX network, or a Bluetooth network, or any other suitablewireless network.

Each mobile device 116 may be any computer processor based device havinga wireless transceiver capable of receiving and transmitting data viathe wireless communication link 14. For example, one mobile device 116may be a laptop (or notebook) computer equipped with a wireless networkinterface card, a wireless-enabled PDA, a pocket or palmtop computer, aWi-Fi phone (e.g., a Skype phone or VoIP phone), a Wi-Fi appliance, aSony PlayStation PSP or some other portable, network-enabled gamingstation, a video screen, a digital camera, an audio player, a navigationdevice, a security camera, an alarm device, a wireless payment or POSdevice, or an automotive electronic device.

Mobile router 112, as explained further, may act as a gateway betweenwireless network 115 and a backhaul network 20. Backhaul network 120 inturn may be connected to the Internet 118 or any other network, such asan intranet or another WAN, via a gateway 24.

Mobile router 112 communicates with the backhaul network 120 via abackhaul wireless communication link 122. Backhaul wirelesscommunication link 122 may be provided by a wireless network that ispart of the backhaul network 120, such as a cellular wireless network.The cellular wireless network may be of any type.

Examples of such types of cellular network, include but are not limitedto the following types: a Global System for MobileCommunications/General Packet Radio Service (GSM/GPRS) link; a UMTS(Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) link; a Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA) link; an Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) link;an Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) link; a 3GSM link; aDigital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) link; a Digital AMPS(IS-136/TDMA) link; an Integrated Digital Enhanced Link (iDEN) link; aWiMAX link; or any other suitable wireless link.

Each mobile router 112 and its corresponding mobile device 116 areco-located in a vehicle 101 so that mobile router 112 is capable ofbeing mobile and operable to establish connectivity whether mobile orstationary such that each end-user of a mobile device 116 can enjoywireless connectivity to Internet 118 via mobile router 112 as thevehicle travels through cells or nodes associated with wireless network122. Vehicle 101 may be any type of vehicle that travels over and/orunder land, over and/or under water, or in the air or space. The typicalmost common type of vehicle 101 that is likely to include a mobilerouter is a car, truck, or bus.

Each mobile router 112 may be mounted in a corresponding vehicle 101 ina secure and generally tamper-resistant location. For example, themobile router 112 may be mounted in the trunk of an automobile, and theend-user of the mobile device 116 may be a passenger or driver of theautomobile. That way, the end-user could enjoy wireless connectivity asthe automobile moves between cells of the wireless network 122.

Although only one mobile device 116 is shown in communication with eachmobile router 112 shown in FIG. 1, numerous mobile devices 116 may be incommunication with a corresponding mobile router 112 via thecorresponding local area network 114.

Cellular network cell site transceiver 130 may be used to provide acellular link to mobile router 112 and both receive and transmitwireless signals to a mobile router 112 via one of the wireless cellularcommunication links 122. A cellular communication network 132 ofcellular backhaul network 120 may communicate via the worldwide web orInternet 118 or another network via one or more gateways 124. Eachcommunication network 132 may include conventional communication networkelements to provide wireless cellular network service for each mobilerouter 112.

Turning now to FIG. 2, mobile router network 100 is shown in a moreexpanded networked arrangement in which cellular backhaul network 120 isshown as having a plurality of cell site transceivers 130, each of whichcan communicate with one or more vehicles 101 having a router therein.FIG. 2 shows one gateway 124 to Internet 118, but it will be appreciatedthat there may be a plurality of such gateways 124, each of which mayhave access to the Internet 118 or to another network.

Turning now to FIG. 3, mobile router network 100 is illustrated infurther expanded form to show that in which there may be a plurality ofcellular backhaul networks 120 may each comprise a number of cell sitetransceivers, each located in different areas serviced by the backhaulnetwork 120, such that the mobile router 12 may stay in communicationwith the backhaul network 20 as the mobile router 12 moves between cellsor nodes of the backhaul network 20. It will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art, that there is virtually no limit to the size ofmobile router network 100.

Each of FIGS. 1 through 3 shows that mobile router network 110 comprisesat least one network operations center 141. Network operations center141 comprises a database 143 and a network management system 145.Network management system 145 is a combination of hardware and softwareused to monitor and administer or otherwise manage mobile router network100. Each mobile router 120 is managed as an individual network element.

Network management system 145, comprises an authentication server 129, asession manager 131, and a communication server 133. Communicationserver 133 is a combination of hardware and software used to managecommunications between mobile routers 120, and network management system124.

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a mobile router 120. Mobilerouter 120 may comprise at least one processor 440, one or more memoryunits 442, a backhaul network interface or wide area network interfaceor cellular network interface 444, and a local network interface 446. Asystem bus 448 interconnects the at least one processor 440, memoryunits 442, backhaul network interface 444 and local network interface446.

Backhaul or cellular network interface 444 interfaces with and providesa wireless communication link with backhaul or cellular network 120 viacell site transceiver 130. Backhaul or cellular network interface 444may interface with one or more types of wireless cellular communicationlinks 22. For example, the backhaul cellular network interface 444 mayinterface to any one or more of: a Global System for MobileCommunications/General Packet Radio Service (GSM/GPRS) link; a UMTS(Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) link; a Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA) link; an Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) link;an Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) link; a 3GSM link; aDigital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) link; a Digital AMPS(IS-136/TDMA) link; an Integrated Digital Enhanced Link (iDEN) link; aWiMAX link; or any other suitable wireless link.

Local network interface 446 interfaces and provides a wirelesscommunication link with wireless local area network 115. Similarly,local network interface 446 may interface to one or more types ofwireless network 115 links such as a Wi-Fi, WiMAX, or Bluetooth link.

At least one processor 440 may execute various programs or instructioncode stored in memory 442. Memory 442 may comprise one or more types ofcomputer-readable media. As such, memory 442 may comprise one or morememory chips, optical memory devices, magnetic memory devices, or othermemory devices.

Various programs or program modules are executable by at least oneprocessor 440. The program modules include a routing module 450, a linkmonitor module 452, a session proxy module 454, and a serial port datapublisher module 456. The program modules 450, 452, 454, 456 may bestored in portions of memory 442 or in one or move separate memories.

Routing module 450 is executed by at least one processor 440 to routedata packets between wireless network 415 and backhaul or cellularnetwork 420. Link monitor program 452 monitors cellular communicationlinks 122 (layer 2) and also Internet communication links (layer 3) viabackhaul or cellular network 120 by sending test or probing data packetsand monitoring for responses thereto. By monitoring the sending andreceiving of test packets and responses, at least one processor 440executing link monitor program 452 detects if either (or both) ofcellular communication link or Internet 118 link fails.

When at least one processor 440, executing link monitor module 52,detects a drop-off, the dropped link is automatically reestablished tominimize the interruption in service to the end user.

In many prior art mobile routers, when communications links are lost,the end-user's applications and network sessions are terminated. Theend-user has to restart the applications and/or session when thecommunications links and network connection are reestablished.

When at least one processor 440 detects a failure in one or both of thecommunications link 122 or Internet 118 link, at least one processor 440initiates remedial action by attempting to reestablish the link orlinks. At least one processor 440 may reestablish the link before anyapplications on the corresponding mobile device 116 have to berestarted. That way, the user does not have to restart the applicationsor sessions. The user just typically notices that theapplications/sessions slowed for a brief period of time while theconnection was being reestablished.

Link monitor module 452 as executed on at least one processor 440provides adaptive programming. If backhaul or cellular network interface44 receives data packets over backhaul wireless communication link 122,at least one processor 440 sends fewer probing test data packets.Conversely, if backhaul or cellular network interface 444 does notreceive data packets, at least one processor 440 sends more probing testdata packets. By monitoring data packets received via backhaul orcellular network interface 444, at least one processor 440 determinesthat the interface is functioning. Accordingly at least one processor440 sends data test packets less frequently.

At least one processor 440, executing link monitor module 452, monitorsbackhaul network interface 444 to determine that data packets arereceived. If one or more processors 440 determines that backhaulwireless communication link 122 is working, then at least one processor440 sends fewer active probes on the backhaul or cellular network 120.

At least one processor 440, by executing session proxy module 454 actsas a session proxy for all TCP sessions going through mobile router 112.When a mobile device 116 seeks to establish a TCP session with adestination such as a third party server 126 coupled to Internet 118, atleast one processor 440 terminates the TCP session coming from mobiledevice 116 and, instead, establishes a TCP session via backhaul networkinterface 444 with the destination. Mobile router 112 also maintains aseparate TCP session with mobile device 116 via local wirelesscommunication link 114.

All end-user traffic between mobile device 116 and the destination istransparently routed through mobile router 112 during the two separatesessions. If one session such as the backhaul wireless communicationlink 122 goes down that does not negatively affect the session betweenthe mobile router 112 and mobile device 116. As a result, at least oneprocessor 440 executing session proxy program module 454 maintains a TCPsession to mobile device 116. If applications running on mobile device116 are dependent upon a TCP session, the applications may continue torun because there is a TCP session with the mobile router 112, eventhough the TCP session over the backhaul or cellular wirelesscommunication link 122 is lost. When communications via backhaul orcellular communication link 122 are reestablished, mobile device 116 isable to keep running its applications and session without having torestart the applications.

When communication over backhaul network or cellular communication link122 is interrupted, one or more processors 40 executing session proxyprogram module 454 prevent the TCP session for wireless communicationlink 114 to mobile device 116 from starting its back-off timers. UnderTCP protocol, mobile device 116 would normally assume that it cannotforward packets because of network congestion and it would accordinglystart to slow down the session. In contrast, at least one processor 440executing session proxy module 454 maintains a TCP session betweenmobile router 112 and mobile device 116. Mobile 116 device does notassume that network congestion is a problem and the TCP session betweenmobile router 112 and mobile device 116 does not slow down.

Execution of session proxy module 454 by at least one processor 440 maybe disabled by mobile device via a control panel for mobile router 112displayed on mobile device 116. A user can disable execution of sessionproxy program module 454 when the user wants to maintain a TCP sessionwith the destination.

At least one processor 440 when executing serial port data publishermodule 456 makes data received from a serial device 436 connected to aserial port 438 available via mobile router 112 as a TCP stream or assome other type of data stream, such as HS-TCP or SCPS data stream. Aremote database 125 may be populated with the data from device 436 viabackhaul or cellular network 120 and Internet 118 so that data fromserial device 436 can be remotely accessed via the Internet 118.

Serial device 436 may communicate with mobile router 12 using anysuitable serial data protocol, including the USB (Universal Serial Bus)standard, the RS-232 standard, the RS-485 standard, or the IEEE 1394(FireWire) standard, for example.

Serial device 436 may be any suitable type of serial device, such as,for example, a GPS receiver. Other types of serial data devices 436 maybe used. Serial device 436 may be a vehicle telematics device thatcaptures data regarding the performance and operation of the vehicle(e.g., diagnostic data) in which the device is installed. Serial device436 may be a point-of-sale (POS) device that captures sale or paymentinformation.

Serial data device 436 may also be a remote control for an in-carentertainment system that enables downloading music, video, games, etc.,to third party systems or a device for interfacing to communicationsystems.

Rather than transmitting the data to a central server, e.g., database125, a remote user could access mobile router 112 to access the datafrom serial device 436 directly. In one embodiment, an authenticatedremote user could access an authentication server 123 as shown in FIG. 1to determine the address of a specific one mobile router 112. The remoteuser could then use that address to communicate with mobile router 112directly. Similarly, a local end-user of the mobile router 112 couldaccess the data from the serial device via the local wireless network114.

At least one processor 440 can output data and command signals viaserial interface 438 to serial device 436. Utilizing serial interface438, at least one processor 440 may activate and control variouscomponents and/or systems of a vehicle 101. Serial device 436 may beable to shut of the vehicle engine, unlock the doors, activate alarmfunctions, etc. Serial device 436 may also, according to variousembodiments, perform payment functions, download data, receiveadvertising, entertainment, gaming, and/or information, as well asperform network management and control.

Each router 112 includes a communication agent 441. Communication agent441, in the embodiment shown, is a program executed by at least oneprocessor 440, but in other embodiments, communication agent 441 may bea separate processor and program. Communication agent 441 cooperativelyoperates with communication server 133 shown in FIG. 1.

At least one processor 440 of each mobile router 112 has the ability torun applications that can perform functions and collect dataindependently of whether or not mobile router 112 is linked to networkmanagement system 120.

Each mobile router has associated with it a specific identifier that ismaintained in database 145. The specific identifier can be any uniqueidentifier such as a router serial number or a vehicle identificationnumber. Network operations center 141, utilizing communication server133, is capable of selectively communicating with each mobile router112.

Advantageously, the selective communication between each mobile router112 and network operation center 141 permits the downloading ofapplication programs 565 to each of mobile routers 112 for storage inmemory 442 on a selective basis, the communication of data obtained fromeach router 112 as a consequence of execution of a downloadedapplication program, and/or the communication of statistical informationobtained in or by a mobile router as a result of execution of anapplication program.

In addition, network operation center 141 is operable to facilitate thedownloading of application programs 565 ordered by each mobile router112 directly or indirectly from third party servers 126.

Network operations center 145 also sends predetermined commands tospecific predetermined specific mobile routers 112 for immediateexecution or for execution at a predetermined specified interval.

Each mobile router 112 is operable to collect data utilizing theapplication programs 565 it is hosting as well as from interfaces to thevehicle in which mobile router 12 is installed and/or from peripherals430 coupled to mobile router 112 via serial data interface 438 and/orfrom mobile device 16. The collected data is marked with a timestamp andstored in memory 442 of mobile router 112. Depending on the nature ofthe data, mobile router 112 may process the data and prepare theresulting processed data for upload or mobile router 112 may prepare thedata immediately for upload to network management system 120. Inaccordance with one embodiment, the data may be provided by a telematicsdevice or devices.

In certain embodiments, each vehicle 101 includes a vehicle network bus591 that typically utilizes a standardized protocol over which data orcommands may be communicated with various sensors, nodes, processors andother vehicular apparatus coupled to the vehicle network bus.

All modern vehicles include a vehicle network bus 591 that is aspecialized internal communications network that interconnectscomponents inside a vehicle (e.g. automobile, bus, train, industrial oragricultural vehicle, ship, or aircraft). Special requirements forvehicle control such as assurance of message delivery, assurednon-conflicting messages, assured time of delivery as well as low cost,EMF noise resilience, redundant routing and other characteristics aremet with the use of various standardized networking protocols.

Standardized vehicle network bus protocols include Controller AreaNetwork (CAN), Local Interconnect Network (LIN) and others.

Vehicle network bus 591 provides access to the various vehicleelectronic control modules in the vehicle. Some of the typicalelectronic modules on today's vehicles are the Engine Control Unit(ECU), the Transmission Control Unit (TCU), the Anti-lock Braking System(ABS) and body control modules (BCM).

A vehicle electronic control module typically gets its input fromsensors (speed, temperature, pressure, etc.) that it uses in itscomputation. Various actuators are used to enforce the actionsdetermined by the module (turn the cooling fan on, change gear, etc.).The electronic control modules need to exchange data among themselvesduring the normal operation of the vehicle. For example, the engineneeds to tell the transmission what the engine speed is, and thetransmission needs to tell other modules when a gear shift occurs. Thisneed to exchange data quickly and reliably led to the development ofvehicle network bus 591. Vehicle network bus 591 is the medium of dataexchange.

Vehicle network bus 591 is utilized to create a central network in thevehicle 101. Each electronic control modules is ‘plugged’ into thenetwork and can communicate with any other electronic control moduleinstalled on the network via vehicle network bus 591. Each electroniccontrol module controls specific components related to its function andcommunicates with the other modules as necessary, using a standardprotocol, over the vehicle network bus 591.

In addition, vehicle network bus 591 may utilize any one of a number ofphysical transmission media, including, but not limited to: single wire;twisted pair; and fiber optic.

Each mobile router 112 includes a vehicle network bus interface 571 anda connector 573 that connects to the vehicle network bus 591 of vehicle101.

In one embodiment, a vehicle 101, comprises a vehicle network bus 591and a mobile router 112. Mobile router 112 comprises a local areanetwork interface 446 comprising a first wireless transceiver 446A of afirst predetermined type to provide a link 114 to first a local areanetwork 114 and a wide area network interface 444 comprising a secondwireless transceiver 444A of a second predetermined type to provide alink 122 to a wide area network 122. The embodiment further comprises atleast one processor 440 to control operation of the local area networkinterface 446 and the wide area network interface 444. One of the widearea network interface 444 and the local area network interface 446 isselectively operable to establish a wireless communication link withnetwork management system 141 comprising a communication server 133.Each router 112 further comprises a communication agent 513; and anapplication 565 executable by the at least one processor 440 toselectively acquire predetermined data from the vehicle network bus 591.Communication agent 513 is operable to upload the predetermined dataobtained from vehicle network bus 591 to network management system 141.

At least one processor 40 is operable to acquire the predetermined dataduring time periods that wide area network interface 444 is notcommunicating with network management system 141. Communication agent513 is operable to upload the predetermined data to network managementsystem 141 upon occurrence of a predetermined event.

The predetermined event may comprise a predetermined time period thatmay be the time wide area network interface 444 is in communication withnetwork management system 141 and/or the predetermined event isdetermined by the predetermined data, such as, for example, data thatindicates deployment of an air bag.

Router 112 stores the predetermined data in memory 567.

At least one processor 140 provides a time stamp for the predetermineddata at the time the predetermined acquired data is acquired. The timestamp is stored in memory 567 in association with the correspondingpredetermined data.

At least one processor 140 is operable to assign a priority for thepredetermined data; and is operable to execute a predetermined action totake with the predetermined data.

At least one processor 140 is operable to initiate immediate upload ofthe predetermined data to network management system 141 of thepredetermined data having a predetermined one assigned priority. By wayof non-limiting example, data indicating deployment of air bags would beassigned a priority for immediate upload.

At least one processor 40 is operable to control upload of predetermineddata having a first predetermined one assigned priority at a first datarate. At least one processor 40 is operable to control upload of secondpredetermined data having a predetermined second assigned priority at asecond predetermined data rate, the second predetermined data rate beingslower than the first predetermined data rate.

Communication agent 513 is operable to determine if uploading of thepredetermined data is interrupted. Communication agent 513 is operablein cooperation with the communication server 133 to restore uploading ofthe predetermined data to network management system 141 from the pointof interruption when a communication link between the network managementsystem 141 communication server 133 and the communication agent 513 isrestored.

At least one processor 140 is operable to process the predetermined dataprior to the data being uploaded; and the at least one processor 140 isoperable to store the processed predetermined data as the predetermineddata in memory 567.

A time stamp is generated for the predetermined data when it isacquired. The time stamp is stored in memory 567 in association with thecorresponding processed predetermined data.

Communication agent 513 may be further operable to determine whenuploading occurs in cooperation with the application program or programs565.

The predetermined data may comprise statistical data and/or diagnosticdata. The diagnostic data is obtained via the vehicle network businterface 571. At least one processor 140 is operable to process thediagnostic data to generate message data. Communication agent 513 isoperable to upload the message data to network management system 141 viaone of the local area network interface 446 and the wide area networkinterface 444.

In various embodiments, the application or applications 565 is or aredownloaded to the vehicle via one of the wide area network interface 444and the local area network interface 446.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the variousfunctions of each of the plurality of mobile routers 112 may beintegrated directly into a vehicle 101. In such an application of theprinciples of the invention, a vehicle 101 may comprise a vehiclenetwork bus 591; a local area network interface 546 comprising a firstwireless transceiver 546A of a first predetermined type to provide alink 114 to first a local area network 115; a wide area networkinterface 444 comprising a second wireless transceiver 444A of a secondpredetermined type to provide a link 122 to a wide area network 120; atleast one processor 140 to control operation of the local area networkinterface 446 and the wide area network interface 444. At least one ofthe wide area network interface 446 and the local area network interface444 is selectively operable to establish a wireless communication linkwith a network management system 141 comprising a communication server133. Vehicle 101 further comprises a communication agent 441 and one ormore applications 565 executable by the at least one processor 140 toselectively acquire predetermined data from the vehicle network bus 591.Communication agent 513 is operable to upload the predetermined data tonetwork management system 141.

Data for uploading can be prioritized and rate limited by at least oneprocessor 140. By way of non-limiting example, if the data has a highpriority, such as an indication of airbag deployment then the data isimmediately prioritized over anything else and is uploaded. If the datahas a low priority it can be sent at a low bit rate so as not tointerfere with the experience of the user of mobile device 16 oranything the user might be doing. For example, low priority data may be“trickled up” or uploaded at 10 Kbps.

If the uploading of data from a mobile router 112 or vehicle 101 isinterrupted for any reason the session, such as, for example, by loss ofcommunications via a wireless wide area network communication link 122,mobile router 112 or at least one processor 140 will restore theuploading of data where the uploading had left off, when a communicationlink is again established to communication server 133.

In accordance with an aspect of the embodiment, a method is provided foruse with a vehicle 101 comprising a vehicle network bus 591. The methodincludes the step of providing the vehicle with a local area networkinterface 446 comprising a first wireless transceiver 446A of a firstpredetermined type to provide a link 114 to a local area network 115comprising a first client device 116; providing vehicle 101 with a widearea network interface 444 comprising a second wireless transceiver 444Aof a second predetermined type to provide a link to a wide area network120; providing vehicle 101 with one or more processors 440 to controloperation of the local area network interface 446 and the wide areanetwork interface 444; selectively operating one of the wide areanetwork interface 444 and the local area network interface 446 toestablish a wireless communication link with a network management system120 comprising a communication server 133; providing a communicationagent 513; providing an application 565 executable by at least oneprocessor 440; executing application 556 by at least one processor 440to selectively acquire predetermined data from vehicle network bus 591;and operating communication agent 513 to upload the predetermined datato network management system 120.

The method further includes the steps of: operating at least oneprocessor 440 to acquire the predetermined data during time periods thatthe wide area network interface 444 is not communicating with networkmanagement system 120; and uploading the predetermined data to networkmanagement system 120 during time periods that wide area networkinterface 444 is in communication with network management system 120.The method includes providing vehicle 101 with a memory 567; and storingthe predetermined data in memory 567. In addition, the method includes:operating one or more processors 440 to provide a time stamp for thepredetermined acquired data at the time the predetermined acquired datais acquired; and storing the time stamp in memory 567 in associationwith the predetermined data.

In one embodiment, the method comprises: operating at least oneprocessor 440 is to assign a priority for the predetermined data; andoperating at least one processor 440 to execute a predetermined actionto take with the predetermined data based upon the priority.

The method may comprise operating one or more processors 440 to initiateimmediate upload to network management system 120 predetermined datahaving a predetermined one assigned priority.

Still further, the method may include operating at least one processor440 to control upload of the predetermined data having the predeterminedone assigned priority at a first data rate; and operating at least oneprocessor 440 to control uploading of the predetermined data having apredetermined second assigned priority at a second predetermined datarate, the second predetermined data rate being slower than the firstpredetermined data rate.

The method includes utilizing communication agent 513 to determine ifuploading of the predetermined data is interrupted; and operatingcommunication agent 513 in cooperation with the network managementsystem to restore uploading of the predetermined data to networkmanagement system 120, from the point of interruption, when acommunication link between network management system 120 andcommunication agent 513 is restored.

In certain embodiments the method includes selecting the predetermineddata to comprise statistical data and/or diagnostic data.

The method may include providing a vehicle network interface 571 betweenat least one processor 440 and vehicle network bus 591; and selectingthe predetermined data to comprise diagnostic data obtained via vehiclenetwork bus 591

The method may further comprise operating one or more processors 440 toprocess diagnostic data to generate message data; utilizingcommunication agent 513 to upload the message data to network managementsystem 120; and uploading the message data to network management system120 via one of the local area network interface 446 and the wide areanetwork interface 444.

In various embodiments, the method may include downloading application565 to vehicle 101 via one of the wide area network interface 444 andthe local area network interface 446.

In one embodiment, a user of one mobile device 116 in its correspondingmobile router 112 purchases a specific application such as a “RemoteEmissions Test” for the corresponding vehicle 101 and mobile router 112stores the application in memory 565.

In one embodiment, to execute a remote emissions test application, aexecute remote emissions test command is sent to a mobile router 112 invehicle 101 via communication server 133 as indicated at step 601.Communication agent 513 receives an emissions test command. To executethe command, at least at least one processor 140 determines when vehicle101 is in an appropriate state for testing, e.g., at idle andmotionless.

Mobile router 112 in vehicle 101 collects predetermined types ofdiagnostics data from vehicle 101 via vehicle network bus 591 coupled tonetwork bus interface 571.

At least one or more processor 140 utilizes the diagnostic data todetermine whether vehicle 101 passes or fails the emissions test. Mobilerouter 112 automatically sends a pass/fail message to network managementsystem 141 via communications server 133.

Network management system 141 can correlate the emissions test resultswith the corresponding vehicle's vehicle identification number andupload both to network management system 141. Network management system141, in turn uploads the emissions test results and vehicleidentification number to the state regulatory agency.

In one embodiment, a user of one mobile device 116 in its correspondingmobile router 112 purchases a specific application such as a “RemoteEmissions Test” for the corresponding vehicle 101 and mobile router 112stores the application in memory 565.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changesand modifications may be made to the embodiments described hereinwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It isintended that the invention not be limited in any way by the embodimentsshown and described herein, but that the invention be limited only bythe claims appended hereto.

1. A network comprising: a network management system, said networkmanagement system comprising: at least one server; and a link to a widearea network; a plurality of mobile routers, each said mobile routerdisposed in a corresponding one vehicle of a plurality of vehicles, eachmobile router operable to selectively communicate with said networkmanagement system; said network management system operable toselectively communicate with each said mobile router; each said mobilerouter comprising: a local area network interface comprising a firstwireless transceiver of a first predetermined type to provide a link tofirst a local area network comprising a first client device; a wide areanetwork interface comprising a second wireless transceiver of a secondpredetermined type to provide a link to said wide area network; at leastone processor to control operation of said router; said wide areanetwork interface operable to establish a wireless communication linkwith said network management system; an application executable by saidat least one processor to selectively acquire predetermined data; and acommunication agent operable to upload said predetermined data to saidnetwork management system.
 2. A network in accordance with claim 1,comprising: said at least one processor is operable to acquire saidpredetermined data during time periods that said mobile router is notcommunicating with said network management system; and saidcommunication agent is operable to upload said predetermined data tosaid network management system during time periods that said mobilerouter is in communication with said network management system.
 3. Anetwork in accordance with claim 2, comprising: each said mobile routercomprises a memory and said predetermined data is stored in said memory.4. A network in accordance with claim 3, comprising: said at least oneprocessor provides a time stamp for said predetermined acquired data atthe time said predetermined acquired data is acquired.
 5. A network inaccordance with claim 4, comprising: said time stamp is stored in saidmemory in association with said predetermined acquired data.
 6. Anetwork in accordance with claim 1, comprising: said at least oneprocessor is operable to assign a priority for said predetermined data;and said at least one processor is operable to execute a predeterminedaction to take with said predetermined data based upon said priority. 7.A network in accordance with claim 6, comprising: said router isoperable to immediately upload to said network management system saidpredetermined data having a predetermined one assigned priority.
 8. Anetwork in accordance with claim 6, comprising: said router is operableto control uploading said predetermined data having said predeterminedone assigned priority at a first data rate.
 9. A network in accordancewith claim 8, comprising: said router is operable to control uploadingsaid predetermined data having a predetermined second assigned priorityat a second predetermined data rate, said second predetermined data ratebeing slower than said first predetermined data rate.
 10. A network inaccordance with claim 1, comprising: said at least one processor isoperable to determine if uploading of said predetermined data isinterrupted.
 11. A network in accordance with claim 10, comprising: saidat least one processor is operable to restore uploading of saidpredetermined data to said network management system from the point ofinterruption when a communication link between said network managementsystem and said router is restored.
 12. A network in accordance withclaim 1, comprising: said mobile router comprises a memory; said atleast one processor is operable to process said predetermined data priorto said uploading; and said at least one processor is operable to storesaid processed predetermined data as said predetermined data in saidmemory.
 13. A mobile network in accordance with claim 12, comprising:said at least one processor generates a time stamp for saidpredetermined acquired data, said time stamp identifying time saidpredetermined acquired data is acquired.
 14. A network in accordancewith claim 13, comprising: said time stamp is stored in said memory inassociation with the corresponding said processed predetermined data.15. A network in accordance with claim 1, comprising: said at least oneprocessor is operable to determine when said uploading occurs.
 16. Anetwork in accordance with claim 1, comprising: said predetermined datacomprises statistical data.
 17. A network in accordance with claim 1,comprising; said predetermined data comprises vehicle diagnostic data.18. A network in accordance with claim 1, wherein: each said vehiclecomprises a corresponding vehicle network bus; each said mobile routercomprises an interface to said corresponding vehicle network bus; andsaid predetermined data is obtained from said vehicle network bus.
 19. Anetwork comprising: a network management system, said network managementsystem comprising: at least one server; a link to a wide area network;and at least one database; a plurality of mobile routers, each saidmobile router disposed in a corresponding vehicle, each of said mobilerouters comprising: a local area network interface comprising a firstwireless transceiver of a first predetermined type to provide a link tofirst a local area network comprising a first client device; a wide areanetwork interface comprising a second wireless transceiver of a secondpredetermined type to provide a link to said wide area network; at leastone processor to control operation of said router; at least one of saidlocal area network and said wide area network interface selectivelyoperable to establish a communication link with said network managementsystem; a first application executable by said processor to selectivelyacquire first predetermined data; and said at least one processor isoperable to upload said first predetermined data to said networkmanagement system.
 20. A network in accordance with claim 19,comprising: said network management system having access to one or morepredetermined downloadable applications; said network management systembeing selectively operable to download selected predetermineddownloadable applications to predetermined selected ones of said mobilerouters; and said selected predetermined downloadable applicationscomprise said first application.
 21. A network in accordance with claim20, comprising: said at least one processor is operable to acquire saidpredetermined data during time periods that said mobile router is notcommunicating with said network management system; and said at least oneprocessor is operable to upload said predetermined data to said networkmanagement system during time periods that said mobile router is incommunication with said network management system.
 22. A network inaccordance with claim 21, wherein: said network management system isoperable to route said uploaded predetermined data to a predetermineddestination.
 23. A network in accordance with claim 22, wherein: saidpredetermined destination comprises said database.
 24. A network inaccordance with claim 22, wherein: said predetermined destinationcomprises a third party server accessed by said network managementsystem.
 25. A network in accordance with claim 19, wherein: each saidvehicle comprises a corresponding vehicle network bus; each said mobilerouter comprises an interface to said corresponding vehicle network bus;and said predetermined data comprises data obtained from said vehiclenetwork bus.
 26. A network in accordance with claim 25, comprising: saidnetwork management system has access to one or more predetermineddownloadable applications; said network management system is selectivelyoperable to download selected ones of said predetermined downloadableapplications to predetermined selected ones of said mobile routers; andsaid selected ones of said predetermined downloadable applicationscomprise said first application.
 27. A network in accordance with claim26, comprising: said at least one processor is operable to acquire saidpredetermined data from said vehicle data bus during time periods thatsaid mobile router is not communicating with said network managementsystem; and said at least one processor is operable to upload saidpredetermined data to said network management system during time periodsthat said mobile router is in communication with said network managementsystem.
 28. A network in accordance with claim 27, wherein: said networkmanagement system is operable to route said uploaded predetermined datato a predetermined destination.
 29. A network in accordance with claim28, wherein: said predetermined destination comprises said database. 30.A network in accordance with claim 28, wherein: said predetermineddestination comprises a third party server accessed by said networkmanagement system.
 31. A network in accordance with claim 26, wherein:said network management system accesses said one or more predeterminedapplications from a third party server accessed by said networkmanagement system.